DOMINANT force, NT Thunder was knocked out of the Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s finals last week by the ever-consistent Cats. Geelong was able to get the upper hand in a tight tussle and advance to a do-or-die preliminary final against the Pies this weekend. AFL Draft Central’s Connor Ferris was at Port Melbourne to take note of the standout performers at Stannards Stadium.

NT Thunder vs Geelong

NT:

#3 Angela Foley

Great leadership all game long from the captain. Got on top in the clearances and attacked the footy with great intent throughout the day.

#5 Machaelia Roberts

Great run and carry off the forward flank. Had several pressure acts throughout the game including a great chase and tackle resulting in a goal late in the third quarter.

#22 Jenna McCormick

Terrific second quarter to get the Thunder on top. Great ball-use all day through the middle of the ground to drive the Thunder into attack.

#29 Marijana Rajcic

Took advantage of her opportunities in front of goal, kicking three straight. Kept the Thunder in the game with an early fourth-quarter goal.

#52 Ebony Marinoff

Dominant performance from the Adelaide AFL Women’s midfielder. She was an absolute ball magnet, tallying 28 disposals and using the ball extremely well.

Geelong:

#3 Hannah Burchell

Good forward pressure and hard running, which resulted in two goals. Was instrumental in helping the Cats get on top in the third quarter.

#6 Maddie Boyd

Presented as a strong target all day. Did not hit the scoreboard but brought the ball to ground multiple times to set up Geelong’s small forwards for scoring opportunities.

#16 Olivia Purcell

Strong midfield performance. She got plenty of the ball with 16 possessions and linked up well with her teammates up the ground.

#20 Nina Morrison

Great tackling pressure. Gave the Thunder’s midfielders headaches all day with her ferocious attack on the footy.

#30 Richelle Cranston

Began asserting herself in the second quarter and never looked back. Great in and around the contest, highly efficient and kicked a crucial goal at the start of the fourth quarter to draw the scores level.